This bird frequents in iarge numbers the high and damp summits of the
isiands. It iives in the thick beds of carex and other piants, which, from the
condensed vapour of the ciouds, are constantly kept rather humid. It is tame,
but lives concealed; it often utters a loud and peculiar cry. The female is said to
lay from eight to twelve eggs. It is, I believe, the only bird in this archipelago
which is exclusively confined to the upper parts of the islands. With respect to
the specific description, I must observe, that in one of the specimens, the few and
small white spots on the wings and abdomen are wanting. This is not a sexual
distinction, but possibly may be owing to immaturity.
1 . R a l l u s P h i l l i p e n s i s . Linn.
Common on tlie low coral islets, forming the Keeling or Cocos Atoll in the
Indian ocean. With the exception of a snipe, this was the only bird without web-
feet which inhabited this group.
Buenos Ayres.
2 . R a l l u s y p e c a h a . Vieill.
Rallus ypecaha, Vieill. Ency. Meth. p. 1071.
Crex melampyga, Licht, Cat. Sp.
L’Ypacaha, Azara, No. 367.
3 . R a l l u s s a n g u in o l e n t o s . Swains.
Rallus sanguinolentus, Swains, 2 cent, and a quart.
Valparaiso.
G a l l í n u l a c r a s s ir o s t r i s . J . E. Gray.
Gallínula crassirostris, J .E . Gray, in Griff. An. Kingd.
I obtained specimens on the banks of the Plata and at Valparaiso.
F ú l ic a g a l e a t a . G. R . Gray.
Crex galeata, Licht, Cat. 80. sp. 826.
Yahana proprement dit, Azai'a, No. 379.
Gallínula galeata, Bonap.
Concepcion, Chile.
P o R P H Y u io s im p l e x . Gould.
P . vertice, remigibus primariis obscurè olivaceo-viridibus, harum apicibus Jlavescenti
albo anguste marginatis ; corpore supra obscure olivaceo-viridi, plumâ singulá
a